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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Bali, Indonesia. I've heard many stories from my family and friends about what they think and feel about this Island. From plain boring, to breathtakingly beautiful. If you've missed my travelogue on Bali, here it is. Here's my first post on what I think generally about Bali so you know what to expect out of your trip and some tips to share.

melaniehwa says:

Dubbed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. I'd say, I pretty much agree with what most travel magazines and people say about this place. And yes, I think you guys already know that I am currently heartless since I went to Bali last October. And why did I leave my heart in Bali? I fell in love with it the moment I step foot on the land of the unknown.

Bali, Indonesia is my very first step that I have taken only 2 months after I made a solemn promise to myself not to procrastinate my achieving my dreams, which is to be a globetrotter someday. Being only 20(then) I always thought I was too young for things and I tend to procrastinate a whole lot of things that I want to do. And as for Bali, it happened rather spontaneously for me and my bestie, Jo Yi. We bought the tickets only to realise later that we were pretty broke that period of time. And so, I remembered working my ass off during my semester break doing several part time promoter/ writing jobs to pay off the trip. I definitely did not regret doing so though, cause taking that very first step, made me realise what I really love doing and that I am never too young to achieve things I want. Like what they always say, no? It only take one leap of faith to start something new.

Looking at how the locals make a living out of street haggling despite their growing age, pains me. They can be pretty scary at times but I guess, its them simply trying to make ends meet. It has been hard on Bali ever since a few years back during the Bali bombing. You can definitely see how the place, Bali, an Island fully dependent on the tourism sector, suffer since that incident. It made me realise how lucky we are being in Malaysia, where we have warm blankets at night and dinner on the table.

Witnessing the wonders of God as of how a small island like Bali itself, have can yet be so rich. From the volcanoes to the vast seas. And how people just fit into the picture. On the last day of my trip, I simply spent a few hours sitting my the beach alone and I just couldn't be more amazed with the locals there. I'm not sure if you have thought of this before, but simply just along the beach, there are thousands of different life stories to be told. Funny how our life paths collides and yet not notice anything about it huh?

*ps. All pictures are taken by me. Pictures are not to be taken without permission.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Its been three months, and now, with this post, I end my five-part birthday post. I really am thankful for all the people who have spent their time either in planning the best birthday party that I have ever had in the past 21 years, or simply just sincerely there to celebrate my existence in this world. I thank God every day for such great people in my life.

Sunday, 030411.

Just a few weeks before my actual birthday, two of my great friends, JoYi and Khairie, actually got together and started scheming for my 21st surprise birthday party. And with JoYi in the committee, its hard for me not to find out bits and parcels of information about the party. Yes, she can never keep a secret as much as she want to, but I still love her nonetheless. So yes, I've heard that it has been a hard ride for the both of them, trying to plan the perfect party for me without me digging anything out. And with that, I give the both of you, a standing ovation. Cause they did great a job in surprising me and I definitely was in the state where I was lost for words, in a good way.

Yes, the troops came and picked up me up and kidnapped me to Laila's Cafe in Kelana Jaya. A very cosy, home-y place suitable for friends and family to come together simply just to catch up or for small parties like mine. The lady owner was what I thought, one of the nicest lady I've ever met in my life. And to my surprise, the troops consisted of a few more souls that I have come to know and love. Meet the Troops:

Khairie, the mastermind behind all.

JoYi, the Justin Blabermouth.

Ju-En, the super energetic photographer.

Sarah, the niggress that everyone can't help but to love.

Diana, the strong determined young lady.

And with that, I proceed. The food there was pretty alright, but the company was better. We got to talk and I found out that there is one more surprise for me when the lady boss invited Khairie and JoYi together with Sarah up on the stage. Yes, Khairie did his solo performance and then duet with Sarah(she's an incredible RnB, jazzy, soul singer.) while JoYi accompanied them with her piano. Ohhh-emm-geeeee kan? I was beyond words. Oh, and they also made me go up on the stage to sing. And if you don't know, this is somewhat a death sentence for me. I am a shy person, as much as you all don't believe that, but yes, I can never ever sing in front of a live crowd. I'll choke and choked I did.

And then came the home made cake by Sarah's aunt. If you love chocolate cakes, you'll love this. Its a 100% Cadbury chocolate cake. I loved the company that was there, simple and genuine, just the way I would love my birthday parties to be. I couldn't think of any other way to wrap my 21st birthday!

I am thankful to God for the two great friend that I have in my life, who I've met during the time I needed a true friend most. Khairie, thank you for the effort that you've given into making my 21st a special one. Thank you for being there as a friend who listens and guides. Thank you for showing me that determination is able to bring us to great lengths. Thank you for pushing me into doing what I love most. JoYi, thank you for being the very first friend who is different from the spoilt bunch that I have had my entire life. Thank you for being a pain in the ass that I cannot help but to grow closer to everyday. Thank you for being a sister that I have never had. Thank you Sarah, Ju-En and Diana, for being there to celebrate my birthday though we have never met before. Thank you for being so real and sincere, I'd rather be in your company than hundreds of other people out there. And thank you guys, for making my birthday, the perfect 21st birthday for me.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

The second of the many anticipated DC/ MARVEL superheroes movie this year. As a terribily diagnosed movie buff, The Green Lantern was definitely one of the highlights of this year that I have been looking forward to. And this one in particular, I remember cause I have been around the DC/MARVEL superheroes hype ever since I was a girl. My eldest brother, is a crazy crazy comic fan, so yeah. But however, as usual, Hollywood has changed the story, but if you guys didn't know, the Green Lantern isn't all about Hal Jordan. Its basically divided into 4 different ages of the Green Lanterns. Very much more interesting compared to the show I think. But here's the movie review for the latest hype, The Green Lantern.

The Green Lantern is basically like what most every other superheroes stories are;

#1. Slumped, low-life guy who has hit rock bottom, nothing else to lose and nothing else to gain.
#2. Comes the girl, which everyone can clearly see that she's in love with him, but he's just too afraid to acknowledge that.
#3. Comes the point of no return. The turning point of his life, which all the comic writers are planning on to make us feel "Dang, why don't that happen to me?"
#4. Hero saves the day, gets the girl, loved by all.

Yep, I guess I just pretty much just sum the whole point of comic superheroes stories in just four points. But I guess, what sells the Green Lantern is basically the points that I came up with below:

#1. It talks about how human will triumphs over fear. Call me a love sap, but yeah. I always believe that good triumphs over evil.

#2. It also highlighted the fact that humans are far more powerful than what we actually think we are, regardless of either motivated by fear or will.

#3. It showed the possibility of different live creatures from different worlds and planets. This really intrigued me. Honestly speaking, I'm not a big fan of star wars nor star trek, but the possibility and the idea of the existence of a whole new world other than Earth, is one of the things in the world that I couldn't keep my interest off.

#4. It has Ryan Reynold's packs in it and Blake Lively's hot hot bod. I don't deny that I'm jealous!

# 5. I love how they show human are vulnerable despite how good looking and successful he is in public eyes. Very similar to how real life is huh? Insecurities, pressure from the society, deepest darkest secrets, untold.

Yea, I guess, those are the plus points for the Green Lantern but for me, I don't think it was that good of a movie. This is mainly because of two reasons:

#1. Tooooooooooooooooooooooooooo long winded, pretty slow paced, very draggy. It took them too long in character development which caused them to lose the flow of the movie. They talked about how Hal Jordan had issues with his dad dying in an flight accident and how he tried his whole life to be like his one hero, his dad and also how hes too afraid of admitting his love for the girl of his dreams, Carol Ferris, equally hot daughter of a mogul which owns the aircraft company that Hal is working at. And to make it worse, they....

#2. ....ended the show with a 5 minute scene. Anti-Climax. It was basically a one man show when Hal Jordan destroyed the antagonist, which had been portrayed as a menacing evil power that everyone fears of, even the elders in the show. I mean, yeah, they want to show how powerful human will can be, but its rather anti-climax and nonsensical. How can so many green lanterns get killed but simply this new green lantern, kill this powerful force just all by himself?

So yes, Green Lantern, I rate 4/10. I gave an extra point cause I love their green lantern oath and their costume.

Oh, and special thanks to StyleKandi and Advertlets for the 3D movie passes.